Water: a ubiquitous chemical substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen and is essential for all known forms of life.
Smart water usage in Dubbo City Council’s Parks and Landcare Services has resulted in a 43 per cent reduction and an award nomination.
Council’s Director Parks and Landcare Services Ken Rogers said the division had been named as a finalist in the Local Government and Shires Association Excellence in Environment Awards for its water-saving initiatives.
“We are thrilled with this nomination for work which included installation of an intelligent irrigation control system, irrigation auditing, a move towards more efficient sprinklers and replacement of inefficient irrigation systems,” he said.
“Over four years, it has achieved a 43% reduction - 356ML - in the volume of water applied to parks and sporting facilities without negatively impacting quality of the turf surfaces.”
Other measures included trialling of a new turf species and use of soil wetting agents.
The changes in water usage are in line with Council’s 2009-2013 environmental sustainability plan, Dubbo ALIVE – A Living Initiative for a Vibrant Environment.
“We’ve actually exceeded the targets identified in Council’s sustainability plan,” Mr Rogers said.
“The award nomination is a bonus and shows that we are succeeding in what we do.”
Parks and Landcare Services have also installed stormwater harvesting at Apex Oval with a view to expanding the system to other venues throughout the City.
By 2013, Council aims to reduce household consumption and water usage across all Council operations by 10 per cent.
* DUBBO ALIVE – A Living Initiative for a Vibrant Environment *Covering six major themes: Biodiversity, Pollution, Water, Waste, Salinity, Energy
Covering six major themes: Biodiversity, Pollution, Water, Waste, Salinity, Energy
MEDIA CONTACT: For further information, please contact Council’s Director Parks and Landcare Services Ken Rogers, on (02) 6801 4000.